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The Propeller – I Just Wrapped Your Christmas Present – 12/24/23

I Asked AI to Rewrite “‘Twas Night before Christmas” about Tech and Finance

‘Twas the night before Christmas, the circuits all hummed, While data streams danced and algorithms drummed. The servers all glowed, a digital fire, As code elves toiled, fueled by caffeine’s desire.

In homes and in offices, screens flickered bright, Investors tracked markets, with anxious delight. Charts and graphs danced, a technical ballet, As portfolios soared, or sadly went astray.

The startups all hustled, their pitches ablaze, Pitch decks and prototypes, vying for praise. VCs with keen eyes, sifted through the hype, Seeking the next unicorn, to take their portfolio’s flight.

The Bitcoin miners, in their digital caves, Searched for the blocks, through the blockchain’s deep waves. Their rigs hummed and whirred, a symphony of heat, As they dreamt of riches, and a Lambo to meet.

The NFT artists, with mouses so swift, Crafted digital treasures, with pixels so deft. Jpegs of apes, and cats with laser eyes, Sold for millions, to the world’s surprise.

The gamers all battled, in worlds of their own, With pixelated heroes, and quests to be known. Esports arenas roared, with digital cheers, As champions crowned, shed victory tears.

But amidst the pixels, and the code’s whirring hum, A lesson still whispered, “There’s more to life than the sum.” For true wealth, it whispered, lies not in the screen, But in love, connection, and what truly has been.

So raise a glass, friends, to the tech and the trend, But remember the heart, that’s where stories transcend. May your portfolios flourish, and your circuits stay bright, And may your future be merry, and filled with pure light.

Happy holidays, and to all a good night!

Think Outside the Box

Why does this electric bicycle box have a picture of a flat-screen TV?

It’s a fantastic example of an extremely simple solution to a complex problem from Adam Alter’s excellent book “Anatomy of a Breakthrough”.

In 2015, Dutch bicycle company VanMoof had a problem. When they shipped their expensive bicycles to the USA, a lot of them were showing up damaged.

They tried all the obvious approaches to solve the problem… better packaging… tougher boxes… different shipping partners. Nothing worked.

Then they reframed the questions… are there any examples of cardboard boxes that don’t get damaged?

The answer: Flat Screen TVs.

So VanMoof tried putting an image of a flat-screen TV on every box. Overnight, shipping damage fell by 80%.

The lesson? Find the friction points in your process, and brainstorm solutions from multiple different angles and contexts. You’ll be much more likely to come up with a breakthrough idea.

Disconnect to Reconnect

Technology can be a wonderful tool, but don’t let it steal your Christmas cheer. Remember:

  • Set screen time limits: Schedule tech-free zones to truly connect with your loved ones during the holidays.
  • Embrace unplugged activities: Play board games, tell stories, and savor the simple joys of togetherness.

By following these tips, you can ensure your Christmas is filled with more merry and less mayhem. So grab your eggnog, crank up the carols, and let the tech-fueled festivities begin!

Remember, the best tech for Christmas is the one that brings you closer to the people you love.

Quote of the Week

“Do not go where the path may lead,
go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Paradox of Risk: The greatest risk comes from taking no risk at all.

Don’t follow their path. Create yours.

What I’m Reading/Listening To This Week
What I read last week:
 

Pathfinders by JL Collins provides practical encouragement and inspiration for anyone who wants to achieve financial independence. Here are the top 3 points conveyed in the book:

Spend less than you earn: This is the first and most important rule of financial independence. The author emphasizes the importance of living below your means and avoiding debt.

Invest in low-cost index funds: The author recommends investing in low-cost index funds as a way to build wealth over time. He explains how to choose the right funds and how to avoid common mistakes.

Focus on the long-term: The author stresses the importance of having a long-term perspective when it comes to investing and financial planning. He encourages readers to stay the course and not get distracted by short-term market fluctuations.

The book also features real-life stories from people who have achieved financial independence. One such story is that of Mr. Money Mustache (his real name is Peter Adeney), who retired at the age of 30 after saving and investing aggressively for several years. Another story is that of Jim Collins, the author’s own father, who achieved financial independence by living frugally and investing wisely. These stories provide inspiration and practical advice for anyone who wants to achieve financial freedom.

Overall, “Pathfinders” is an engaging and inspiring read that provides practical advice and real-life stories from people who have achieved financial independence. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in achieving financial freedom.

Pick up your copy here:  https://amzn.to/3RtV1Yl


What I am reading this week:
 

 
From the Amazon Description: “From the legendary vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, lessons in investment strategy, philanthropy, and living a rational and ethical life.

“A timeless classic that will change how you approach life. There is a billion-dollar education inside this book.”
—Shane Parrish, founder of Syrus Partners and Farnam Street

“Spend each day trying to be a little wiser than you were when you woke up,” Charles T. Munger advises in Poor Charlie’s Almanack. Originally published in 2005, this compendium of eleven talks delivered by the legendary Berkshire Hathaway vice-chairman between 1986 and 2007 has become a touchstone for a generation of investors and entrepreneurs seeking to absorb the enduring wit and wisdom of one of the great minds of the 20th and 21st centuries.” 


Pick up your copy and read along here:  https://amzn.to/473ZRRG
 

Merry Christmas!

This is re-published from the weekly email sent by Leonard Mack entitled The Propeller. To subscribe, visit https://www.LeonardMack.com/subscribe and read it every Sunday evening.

This intellectual nourishment is intended for informational purposes only. One should not construe anything herein as being legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

My rule is this – I have no advice to give, only experience to share. I have no interest in being a guru or telling people what they should do. Rather, I share my own experience because there is no right or wrong. Your mileage may vary.